Scientific Name

Common Names

Synonyms

Scientific Classification

Description

Sinningia leucotricha is an unusual and attractive, long lived, tuberous perennial with a large rounded tuber that can reach a foot (30 cm) across on older plants and from which emerges a few short stems, holding 2 or 3 opposite pairs of small, fuzzy, silver leaves up to 10 inches (25 cm) long. The showy, salmon colored flowers begin to bloom just above the foliage in spring to early summer with foliage losing the silver cast as flowers fade and then ultimately dropping off to begin a dormancy period but timing is not always predictable and leaves will sometime stay on the plant longer, only shedding them when new leaves are emerging in early spring.

Hardiness

How to Grow and Care

Sinningia grow from tubers, so there is seasonality to them. When the plant is actively growing, keep it lightly moist. When the foliage dies back, just mist the soil regularly to keep the tubers from drying out too much. Start your normal watering when new leaves start to show. As with most plants, Sinningias can survive a short drought, but they don’t recover from drowning. Use tepid water when watering. Nobody enjoys a cold shower. Water the soil, not the plant. Sinningias are prone to crown rot and gray mold which happens when the leaves stay wet. Do not let the plant sit in water, it must be well drained.

Sinningias are shade plants. They have the same light requirements as an African Violet. Morning or soft late afternoon light is best. That means an East, shaded West, or North-facing window. By all means, avoid direct sun during the harsh “skin cancer” hours of the day… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Sinningia